Gun violence is a crucial issue facing the city of Chicago and Illinois. According to FBI data, Chicago had 500 murders in 2012 – more than any other U.S. city. State officials are working to pass a law to strengthen sentencing for gun crime with the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

SPRINGFIELD — — A contingent of black lawmakers blocked a vote on Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s watered-down proposal to impose tougher penalties for illegal gun possession, the latest example of a rift between the mayor and the African-American community.